Abbaye de Bouchet, Cistercian abbey in Bouchet, France.
Abbaye de Bouchet is a Romanesque stone monastery in France with a Latin cross layout, single nave, and protruding transept. The monastic buildings contain vaulted ceilings and well-preserved medieval living quarters with approximately twenty cells in the dormitory section.
The abbey was founded between 1181 and 1184 by Tiburge II of Orange. The monastery declined during the Hundred Years War, which reshaped its role in the region.
The monastery was organized along Cistercian principles, with separate areas for nuns, lay sisters, and lay brothers who performed physical work. The rhythm of daily life followed strict rules for prayer, work, and silence.
Visiting requires exploring the rough stone corridors and narrow stairs of the medieval structure. The site is often quiet, allowing you to examine the details of Romanesque architecture at your own pace.
Local legend tells of bees that defended the monastery during Abbess Rixende's leadership by attacking invaders. Beekeepers in the area preserve this old story through their honey production at the site.
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